URBANDALE, Iowa — Construction continues on various roads throughout the metro. The biggest project is in Urbandale at Douglas Avenue and Hickman Road at Interstate 80/35.

The project is nearing the end of its first of three phases. This phase is expected to be completed by mid-December. Frank Leong, Grimes Resident Construction Engineer, said that he expects there to be minimal impact on traffic following the completion of phase one.

Travelers will get a break from the traffic impacts until phase two and three are slated to start in the spring of 2026 and the spring of 2027. Leong explained the ultimate goal of the construction.

“We have the interstate widening portion of it going on,” Leong said. “It’s the first of three phases that the DOT is going to be doing. The ultimate configuration is going to add one lane southbound, two lanes northbound and a diverging diamond intersection down on Hickman itself. Something very similar to up there in Ankeny on First Street.”

The diverging diamond that Leong mentioned is aimed at adding more turning movements at the same time and implementing a more efficient driving pattern.

Leong expects that the entire project will be completed sometime in 2028. He said with the rapid expansion of Urbandale, Waukee and other West Des Moines suburbs, the construction and road widening are necessary. The final project will help to increase mobility and decrease traffic congestion.